Providing children with lasting memories

Primary school children in Ashton are reaping the benefits of a generous donation from gtd healthcare.

The £2,000 investment from the organisation’s innovation fund has enabled all the children at Hurst Knoll St James’ Church of England School to visit Chester Zoo and purchase an array of sporting equipment.

Part of the donation paid for coaches for all the children to visit Chester Zoo in November. But deputy head teacher Mrs Pearson said during a recent visit to the school, despite receiving free tickets for all children to enter the zoo, the trip wouldn’t have been possible without gtd healthcare’s financial support.

“I don’t think we would have been able to go as the cost is out of reach for some of our families and we would never want it to be a case of, ‘You can only come if you pay,’ she said.

“So we wanted it to be as inclusive as possible, the donation meant it was and every single child in the school could go.”

David Beckett, gtd healthcare’s chief executive, said contributing to the wellbeing of our local communities is deeply ingrained within the organisation and is core to our values.

“I was delighted to receive an invite to visit the school and meet with the children – it really brought to life the positive impact the donation has made,” he said.

“Listening to the children’s stories from the trip was really heart-warming and I am sure the memories will stay with them for a long time.

“They were excited to show the sports equipment that the school has purchased with the remainder of the funds, which will provide numerous wellbeing benefits for years to come.”

Further information regarding the visit is available here.

The organisation’s innovation fund is in the process of being refreshed and will soon be dedicated to community investment projects. Applications will be welcomed from our people across gtd healthcare and community groups. If you have any initial queries regarding the fund, please email communications.gtd@nhs.net.